WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT

Celebrate the 20th anniversary of Florida Women of Achievement at a reception from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 14 at City Hall the Restaurant, 2004 Biscayne Blvd. A photographic documentary by Scherley Busch will be presented at the event. There is a suggested $25 donation at the door or online. The restaurant’s Steven Haas also is offering a Miami Spice dinner for attendees after the reception. Call 305-764-3130 for a reservation.

Busch’s Eco Abstractions is dedicated to environmentalist preservationist Marjory Stoneman Douglas and FWA Honorary Chair/Barry University President Emeritus Sister Jeanne O’Laughlin. A portion of proceeds will go toward FWA programs. For more visit www.floridawomenofachievement.org.

EMERALD CITY BALL

Celebrating 61 years of supporting the arts, members of Beaux Arts held their latest costume ball with a Wizard of Oz Emerald City theme. From Dorothy and her Yellow Brick Road adventurers to a “Fifty Shades of Green” spoof, 225 costumed and black-tie revelers gathered to raise funds to benefit the Lowe Art Museum at the University of Miami, along with Beaux Arts projects that introduce underprivileged children to the world of art.

The 2012 Ball Chairs Renee Castillo, Courtney Denaro and Jessica Lopez made sure all guests knew they were “not in Kansas anymore, Toto,” from the moment they entered the dazzlingly decorated Four Seasons Hotel Miami on Brickell Avenue. Emcee Stephanie Sayfie “Steph Says” Aagaard welcomed guests, announced raffle winners and paid homage to the longstanding organization in a ballroom transformed for a night with forest trees, oversized furniture and a gusty tornado entrance.

Miami’s oldest costume ball brought out several Dorothies, tin women, lions, scarecrows, Munchkins, the Lollipop Brigade, witches and wizards. Other creations included a talking tree, a yellow brick road, a group of prisoners from the popular HBO series Oz, and even two “Dunkin Donuts” employees handing out Munchkins who were awarded with best costume. For more information on this creative group visit www.BeauxArtsMiami.org.

CELEBRATING VOLUNTEERISM

More than 180 members and friends of the JCS Alliance, Jewish Community Services’ young professionals group, recently sipped wines from around the world while exploring the exhibits of the Dezer Automobile Collection, Miami’s museum of all things wheels. The attraction features one-of-a-kind vehicles such as miniature and Hollywood-themed cars and more Vespa scooters than you can imagine in one place.

Guests at this kosher event had photos taken in the original Batmobile and participated in raffles for prizes such as a ride in a Hollywood vehicle, half cases of wine and gift certificates from local establishments. Proceeds went to JCS’ Kosher Meals on Wheels Program, which annually serves 150,000 nutritionally-balanced meals to nearly 650 elderly homebound recipients, many of whom are Holocaust survivors.

Event Chairs Hinda Adler, Michelle Diener, Roberta Esquenazi, Sherri Lebwohl and Courtney Lenner said they were grateful for community participation to help this vital service benefiting frail seniors. The event was called “a spectacular success that brought Miami’s young professional community together for a great cause.”

To join this group of young men and women ages 22 to 39 “who interact socially while planning and participating in activities and projects that benefit JCS clients” call 305-576-6550 or visit www.jcsfl.org.

“Walk In My Shoes” Luncheon

Enjoy a memorable Saturday aboard the magnificent MS Eurodam with a gourmet meal paired with wines, a silent action and live entertainment by world-renowned concert pianist and philanthropist, Adlan Cruz. The event benefits the Jessica June Children’s Cancer Foundation for local families in crisis fighting cancer.

The third annual Tree of Life Foundation International Luncheon, sponsored by Holland America Line, will be from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Nov. 17 at Port Everglades, near Fort Lauderdale.

Individual tickets to the “Walk In My Shoes” luncheon are $75. For tickets call 561-833-1533 or visit www.treeoflifefi.org. Tickets are still being sold past the posted deadline date.